The present invention is directed to methods of mounting a light source,
such as, for example a high-efficiency, high-power solid state light
source (e.g., a LED) within a handle of an endoscope. One of the methods
of the present invention includes removing a portion of a package
surrounding the light source to expose a light source chip, positioning
the exposed light source adjacent to a chassis within the handle and in
contact with an end of a light guide bundle, translating the light source
with the exposed light source chip about the end of the light guide while
measuring light output from an illumination (i.e., distal) end of the
light guide bundle with a photodetector, and securing the exposed light
source to the chassis at a position in which maximum light output is
measured.